Learn More about Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS & 3DS XL are Nintendo's flagship portable devices offering unparalleled handheld gameplay. What the 3DS lacks in power, it makes up for in fun bringing an iconic list of Nintendo's greatest gaming characters with you wherever you are. With frequent refinements to the console itself and a constant stream of first and handpicked third-party games, the Nintendo 3DS is a timeless addition to the console industry.

What's in the box?

Pick up any 3DS bundle and - excluding limited editions - they'll usually come with the following: A Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL console, a 4-8GB SD memory card, a Nintendo 3DS Official Stylus and the standard 3DS/XL user manual. Although there's no Power Adapter included by default, although our partner retailers will usually try to bundle one in for you, so it's worth checking out our Nintendo 3DS deals.

A more immersive experience

The aptly named Nintendo 3DS introduced an impressive new 3D screen, offering unprecedented depth for any game developed on the platform. Adjustable via a sliding toggle - or disabled full stop - the 3D display brings fresh life to classic Nintendo characters.

Classics reinvented

Nintendo's flagship titles have seen a new lease of life on 3DS, with frequent releases of Nintendo classics re-imagined and remastered for handheld 3D-optimised gaming.

Enjoy a steady mix of arcade action and ultimate nostalgia with titles such as Super Mario 3D Land, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Star Fox 3D, to name but a few.

3DS vs New 3DS

The confusingly named New Nintendo 3DS is an upgrade on the original 3DS model. Better 3D capabilities, better battery life, NFC for amiibo support and 1.2x bigger screens are packaged into a new modern look. The front facing camera tracks your face to automatically adjust the Super-Stable 3DS making it much easier to play games with 3D switched on.

Swappable cover plates

Customise the look of your New 3DS with changeable cover plates. Hundreds of different designs mean you can swap them out dependent on your mood. Some New 3DS come bundled with a range of cover plates.

3DS Tech Specs

Console Style

Varying two-tone color styles.

Controller

Controls optimised for handheld built directly into the device

Storage Capacity

Removable and expandable storage options. Accepts SD cards up to 2GB, and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB.

Cloud Storage

No

Cloud Streaming

No

Required Internet Connection

No

Motion / Voice Controls

None

Second Screen

Handheld console contains 2 screens, one of which is touch capable

Mandatory Game Installs

No

Used Game Fee

No

Subscription Service

Coming Soon

RAM

3DS/XL: 128MB FCRAM, 6MB VRAM.

CPU

3DS/XL: ARM11 MPCore 2x 268MHz, 2x VFPv2 Co-Processor.

USB

No

Optical Drive

No

Connectivity

IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Infrared

Backwards Compatibility

Nintendo DS/DSi, Virtual Console

TV / A/V Hookups

None

Size

74mm high, 130mm wide, 20mm thick (when closed)

Weight

226 grams

Battery

3-5 hours

What's Included in the 3DS Box

Nintendo 3DS/XL console, stylus, 2GB SD card, user manual

New 3DS Tech Specs

Console Style

Varying two-tone color styles.

Controller

Controls optimised for handheld built directly into the device

Storage Capacity

Removable and expandable storage options. Accepts SD cards up to 2GB, and SDHC cards from 4GB to 32GB.

Cloud Storage

No

Cloud Streaming

No

Required Internet Connection

No

Motion / Voice Controls

None

Second Screen

Handheld console contains 2 screens, one of which is touch capable

Mandatory Game Installs

No

Used Game Fee

No

Subscription Service

No

RAM

56MB FCRAM, 10MB VRAM

CPU

ARM11 MPCore 4x 268MHz, 4x VFPv2 Co-Processor

USB

No

Optical Drive

No

Connectivity

IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Infrared

Backwards Compatibility

Nintendo DS/DSi, Virtual Console

TV / A/V Hookups

None

Size

80.6mm high, 142mm wide 21.6mm thick (when closed)

Weight

253 grams

Battery

4-6 hours

What's Included in the 3DS Box

Nintendo 3DS/XL console, stylus, 2GB SD card, user manual

Choose your Nintendo 3DS bundle

Nintendo's portable handheld comes in a variety of flavours that can be a little overwhelming at first. If you've stuck with us this far, however, you've already made your first important decision: you want a fantastic, fun, portable gaming device with a catalogue of critically aclaimed games to play on it.

Choose your model

The Nintendo 3DS comes in four flavours; 3DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS and New 3DS XL. All boast the trademark dual-screen with touch screen and 3D support. The 3DS XL - as its name suggest - is a larger device. It boosts the size and resolution of each of the two screens; from 3.88in to 4.88in for the 3D display and 3.33in to 4.18in for the touch screen. The New 3DS and 3DS XL comes with a range of new features, including face-tracking 3D, new controls and built-in amiibo support.

Choose your colour

The 3DS & 3DS XL both cater for the fashion conscious, with the 3DS coming in solid finishes of Cosmos Black or Ice White. The 3DS XL however comes in either solid or two-tone finishes of Pink, Red & Black, Blue & Black, Silver & Black, White or Black.

Choose your limited edition

Not unlike other console manufacturers, Nintendo often release fantastic Limited Edition versions of their handhelds. Each usually comes with its own unique livery and a bundled game. Fancy a Limited Edition 3DS bundle of the Super Smash Bros, Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing or Yoshi variety? Well then, you're in luck. Check out our Nintendo 3DS deals to find yours.

2010

3DS announced

Looking to stay ahead of leaks in the Far East, Nintendo officially announces their Nintendo DS successor; The Nintendo 3DS.

March 2010

Official reveal

Although announced in March, it wasn't until E3 in June 2010 that the world caught its first glimpse of the new console. Nintendo's launch line-up included Kid Icarus: Uprising, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter 4: 3D Edition and Metal Gear Solid 3.

June 2010

2011

Time to mark those calendars

The Nintendo 3DS finally launches in Europe, with Nintendo allowing retailers to set their own pricing models.

March 2011

A price cut? Already?

A mere 4 months after it launched, Nintendo revealed that they'd be cutting the price of the 3DS globally. Although the UK price was set by retailers, a price cut mimmiced the rest of the world.

July 2011

2012

Is the 3DS about to get a whole lot bigger?

Rumours started to spread around the globe that a larger model of the Nintendo 3DS was in development. Nintendo responds to the rumours as "entire speculation". Yeah... ok.

June 2012

XL fun inbound

Despite being "entire speculation", the Nintendo 3DS XL is announced in June 2012, boasting improved internals and 90% larger screens. The launch of the revamped console is hot on the heels of the announcement, going on sale in July 2012.

July 2012

2013

The year of Luigi cometh

In 2013, Nintendo announced that the tall green plumber would finally be stepping out of his brothers shadow. This called for a Limited Edition Luigi green handheld bundled with Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.

March 2013

The 3DS gets limited... in the best way possible

Having had success with some simple Limited Edition livery releases, Nintendo saw the XL as the perfect opportunity to get creative. June 2013 sees the release of the Animal Crossing themed 3DS XL.

June 2013

Gotta catch 'em all

Launching to a global fan fare, Pokémon X & Y Limited Editions launch in September 2013. Each bundle included custom console livery and a copy of either Pokémon X or Y.

September 2013

2014

Revamping the revamp

Announced in August of 2014, Nintendo's 3DS and 3DS XL flagship handhelds received a well deserved facelift. Both would receive a new, second thumbstick, two new shoulder buttons, and some upgraded internals.

August 2014

2015

The New 3DS XL launches in Europe

After last years announcement, the revamped New 3DS XL finally launches in Europe in February 2014.

February 2015

A new portable Nintendo console?

Late Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata revealed the existence of a new Nintendo project, codenamed Nintendo NX, at a March 2015 press conference, alongside the announcement of its mobile game licensing deal with DeNA. It was also confirmed that NX will launch in March 2017, although it wouldn’t be seen at E3 2016.

March 2015

53 million units shipped

As of mid-way through 2015, the Nintendo 3DS handheld family smashes through the 50m units sold mark. It's biggest gaming success to date? Pokémon X & Y with a staggering 14m sales globally!

June 2015

The New 3DS finally sees the light of day

Almost half a year after the relaunch of the New 3DS XL, the New 3DS finally gets itself a launch date. Like its large sibling, it features a revised control scheme and much improved internals.

September 2015

2016

Pokemon Sun and Moon announced for 2016 release

On the 20th anniversary of the release of Pokemon Red and Blue, it’s announced that Nintendo and GameFreak will be collaborating once again to bring us Pokemon Sun and Moon on the Nintendo 3DS!

February 2016

First look at Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

At E3 2016, Nintendo gave us a glimpse at the incredible looking Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Changing the conventions of the series that revolutionised gaming, it was confirmed that LoZ: BotW would release on Wii U and NX. Whether it will make the transition to 3DS like previous Legend of Zelda games remains to be seen.

June 2016

3DS Sales boosted due to Pokemon Go Craze

Since launching on July 6th Pokemon Go has helped increase sales of the Nintendo 3DS family, despite fears that it would do the opposite. In the US alone, sales increased by 80% on 2015, with sales of Pokemon X and Y increasing by over 200%.

August 2016

Super Mario Maker announced for 3DS

During a Nintendo Direct stream, Nintendo revealed a new version of Super Mario Maker headed to Nintendo 3DS on December 2nd. It will feature 100 levels out of the box and also allows you to play courses build on the Wii U version.

September 2016

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